M-CHS begins a new theatre year

Rachel Faught practices her part as Abby with Harlie Rivas who plays Mr. Gibbs for the Montezuma-Cortez High School Stagedwellers fall production of “Arsenic and Old Lace.” The comedy opens in the high school auditorium, Friday Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. and also has shows on Oct. 13 and 20 at 2 and 7 p.m.

Fall is upon us. It’s time for light jackets, pumpkins on porches and the search for Halloween costumes.

It’s also time for the Montezuma-Cortez High School to begin another season of theater productions.

The 2012-2013 year is operating under the title “A New Deal,” coordinating with the setting for each play. The productions will all fall under the late 1930s and early 1940s era.

The first show is “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a dark comedy written by Joseph Kesselring. The play is about two old sisters who live together and take guests, on occasion, with open arms.

However, they poison their visitors who are lonely old men. Their nephew attempts to stop their madness, but as the drama unfolds he begins to realize madness may run in the family.

Nicholaus Sandner is the theatre director. This will be his second season in the theater department at M-CHS.

The 2012-2013 year of shows was exciting for Sandner. They produced three shows including The One Act Festival that is carrying over into this season. He will introduce an additional show in the repertoire for a total of four shows.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” will open on Friday, Oct. 12, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m., with matinee showings on Oct. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. in the M-CHS auditorium. They will run “MacBeth” in January and February of 2013, “The One Act Festival” in March and “Annie” in April and May.

The One Act Festival is a string of student produced one-act plays. The students write, direct and perform their own creations. MacBeth will be based on the Shakespearean tragedy but the setting will be cast in the infamous gangster underworld reminiscent of classic film noir. Annie will stick to its original writings and familiar songs. It will be a sure hit among families.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and children five and under are free. To make reservations call 565-3722 ext. 2198. You can also make reservations by sending a detailed email to reservations@mchsdrama.org.

Visit mchsdrama.org to find full information on this year’s productions, last year’s shows, becoming a patron or sponsor and more. See next Thursday’s Journal for a complete preview of the production.

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